Providers

There are approximately 5,000 registered and licensed child care providers throughout the state of Vermont. These providers fall within one of 3 types of child care arrangements: Legally Exempt Provider, Registered Home Provider and Licensed Center. These types of child care must comply with state regulations.

Legally Exempt Providers

Registered Home Care

The caregiver (the registrant) is allowed to have up to 6 children full time, only 2 of the 6 children can be under the age of 2 years. They may also have 4 additional school-age children, before and after school. Home programs with 2 staff members can be licensed to accomodate up to 12 children.

Licensed/Center Based Programs

This includes part-day and full-day programs, after-school programs, and preschools. Most center-based programs are generally licensed to care for a larger number of children. This means the center must meet Vermont’s regulations for quality and safety for licensed child care.

Children’s Ages       Maximum Children in Group                 Staff:Child

6 weeks – 23 months                               8                                        1:4
24 months – 35 months                           10                                       1:5
3 years – Kindergarten                           20                                       1:10
1st grade – 15 years                           No Maximum                        1:13

Note

Care provided by friends/family (who are not providing care for other children), nannies,  aupairs, preschools operating less than 4 hours per day and recreation summer camps operating less than 13 weeks are exempt from licensing regulations and are NOT regulated by the state.